A very good book, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the world building, the fleshed out cast of characters and the fascinating plot.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I love when fate intervenes. I was on NetGalley to see what books I needed to post reviews for, and I decided I wanted to read a horror book soon. So I clicked on that section, and saw the cover for Sheperd’s Warning because it caught my eye. When I read that it takes place in rural Wisconsin, and it was a debut novel, I knew that would be my next read.

And I must say, an excellent book for a new author.

Cailyn Lloyd does a fabulous job with the building of suspense. While I was never freaked out (watching horror movies since the age of eight, might have jaded me a bit…) she kept perfectly ratcheting up the anxiety that her characters were experiencing. What started as a new beginning after a tragedy, quickly led to feelings of uneasy, then to the characters feeling jittery, with the final outcome of complete terror.

Lloyd also did very well with incorporating the supernatural aspect. Wisconsin is well known for its many haunted houses, hospitals, and buildings, so the MacKenzie mansion fit in perfectly with it’s rural surroundings. Lloyd has the perfect balance of very detailed descriptions of the mansion, surrounding woods, and town. But she doesn’t go on and on with it, to the point where I wanted to skim, so that is always a plus for me.

I think the reason why I enjoy horror so much is because there is almost always a mystery involved in the story. Why is the killer or supernatural entity doing what they are doing? Lloyd wrote a very interesting mystery, incorporating historical data and folklore. I enjoyed the journey she took me on.

The very small thing that I have to mention is how I was a bit confused, at first, in regards to the characters. Lloyd gave us half a dozen names, and it was immediately on with the story. Although she does develop the characters going forward, it took me a couple of chapters to straighten out their relationships to each other. But it could have been that I was a bit sleepy since I started reading right before bed.

Looking forward to her future works. And if you enjoy Dean Koontz or John Saul, definitely give this one a try.

Shepherd's Warning is a fantastic paranormal book. The author has done a good job with character development and making a interesting storyline. I enjoyed this book.

SHEPHERD'S WARNING is an immensely engrossing horror/paranormal novel with contemporary issues and deep historical background. The paranormal elements are inventive, focusing on one ancestral lineage. Additionally the author weaves in a congruent plot line in one Kenric Shepherd, University professor and sorcerer. This is a "can't-put-down" paranormal thrill ride, wrenching reader's emotions and delivering an ultimately gratifying and re-readable novel.

CAILYN LLOYD, is not only a Composer. Musician. Stormchaser, and Photographer - but now she is an Author with amazing talent. Shepherd’s Warning is a horror novel that will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

The story is about two brothers and their wives inheriting a house their mother had kept a secret. She kept it a secret for good reason. The house is haunted and with it comes a very angry spirit.​

The characters are well defined. As to the scenery, the author makes you feel as if you are there along side Laura every step of the way trying to figure out the history, the people, the evil. The descriptions are vibrant and and true to the Tudor style.

​Overall this book is engaging and a great read, and I plan on giving it a 5 star. But, there is one thing I need to stress that to me is important. Laura’s constant refusing her gift is a bit annoying and tedious. If possible I would change that so that it is not repetitive within the novel.

Besides that bit of suggestions I would not change a thing - Great Job!​

I was provided this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. That being said, I cannot wait for book two. Not wanting to give anything away all I can say is - I would like to see what happens to Leah.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone who loves a good horro mystery filled with trap doors, spirits, and lots of ancient references and evil. 📕👍🏼

I GIVE IT A 5 STAR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️